10 Most Common Types of Cyber Attacks

Here are the 10 most common types of cyber-attacks:

Malware is any malicious software designed to infiltrate and damage computer systems. Examples of malware include viruses, worms, Trojans, and spyware. This infected software can delete, steal, and encrypt company data. Usually, cybercriminals use this information to leverage victims for financial gain.

This type of cyber-attack can even be used to spy on online activity, hold a device hostage, and slow down device performance.

To prevent malware attacks, businesses should keep security tools updated, immediately remove detected malware and install anti-virus and anti-spyware software. It is also important for organisations to remain vigilant and to think twice when clicking email attachments, suspect links, and pop-up windows.

Phishing attacks are attempts by hackers to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card information. This is an attack designed to steal money and identity. 

Typically, scammers use email and text messages to target their victims by posing as their bank or other legitimate company. Phishing messages often appear to be genuine and often mention special offers, suspected identity theft, or similar, to encourage users to log in to their bank account.

In an organisation, supported software and devices can help prevent attackers from using known vulnerabilities such as email addresses. Implementing employee training is also an effective way of educating employees on the dangers of phishing and how to identify suspicious emails, links, and attachments.

Ransomware attacks encrypt company files and computer networks and render them inaccessible until a ransom is paid to the attacker. In recent years, ransomware attacks have developed and evolved to combine encryption with additional tactics.

This means that more businesses globally are at risk of ransomware attacks. To prevent and limit the impact of ransomware attacks, organisations should back up data to an external hard drive and keep security systems and software up to date.

Additionally, investing in new state-of-the-art devices and technology can also help reduce the risk of ransomware attacks by enabling real-time updates, threat intelligence, and behaviour analysis.

An insider threat comes from people within an organisation such as employees, former employees, contractors, and business associates. This type of cyber security attack originates when individuals intentionally or accidentally delete, lose, or steal data with authorised access.

Typically, insider threats are made with malicious intent or negligent in nature. To minimise the risk of insider threats organisations should keep credentials to sensitive assets, databases, and systems secure in a locked vault. It is also important that companies regularly observe who has access to sensitive and private files.

Threat detection software and applications are another effective methods that allows businesses to identify and detect suspicious behaviour.

A spoofing attack is when a hacker or scammer successfully identifies as another by falsifying data. For example, common spoofing techniques include fake job offers, fake lottery messages, money refund scams, and password reset messages. Spoofing messages can be difficult to identify at first glance as the scammer will often pose as a trusted or familiar alias.

If the scammer can trick their victim into clicking a malicious link, they can steal their credentials, financial information, and corporate data. Spoofing poses a high risk to businesses as it can lead to financial crimes including money laundering and fraud.  

It is important that organisations understand how to prevent and identify spoofing attacks. Remaining vigilant, questioning strange or suspicious emails, and using robust verification methods are all ways to protect data and prevent spoofing attack attempts.

A data breach is a serious security violation in which sensitive, private, or protected data is stolen, viewed, altered, or copied. Data breaches can be accidental or deliberate and most commonly occur through hacking and system vulnerability.

Businesses need to be able to protect customer and company data from data breaches to remain compliant with GDPR data breach regulations. Organisations that do not have active cyber security measures are subject to data breaches and could face penalties and fines for infringement.

Organisations must implement practices to support a data breach prevention strategy. It is crucial for businesses to store data securely, establish clear policies and procedures, and monitor data access.

Third-party cyber risk is any cyber security risk brought on by an external organisation in the ecosystem or supply chain. This can include vendors, partners, service providers, and contractors. If these third parties have access to customer and business data, it is essential that they meet internal security checks and standards.

This type of data breach can occur at any time in any organisation. To reduce the risk of exposure or loss from third-party cyber-attacks, businesses should deploy data security methods and solutions.

There are a variety of data and cyber security methods that businesses can use to protect themselves against cyber-attacks. This includes data encryption, access control, awareness training, and cloud encryption. If you’re interested in learning more about cyber-attacks, we looked at what are the top targeted industries for cyber-attacks.

At CHG-MERIDIAN, we are dedicated to keeping your private data safe and provide end-of-lease data deletion services. To protect your business operations with the latest IT innovations and keep on top of the latest technologies, get in touch with a member of the CHG-MERIDIAN team today.